[Postoperative implant-associated osteomyelitis of the shoulder: Hardware-retaining revision concept using temporary drainage]

High complication rate after septic orthopaedic implant removal of the lower leg

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to determine predictive risk factors for revision surgery in patients with septic orthopaedic implant removal of the lower leg.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 196 patients with septic removal of orthopaedic implants after primary trauma of the lower leg between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated. Patients with endoprosthesis infection were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (22.4 %) had infectious complications with revision surgery. We found 14 patients with soft tissue infections, 10 patients with osteomyelitis, 19 patients with wound-healing problems, 10 patients with pin track infections and two patients with fistulas. High complication rates were associated with severity of the initial trauma, localisation, and the state of union or non-union. Patients with peripheral arterial disease, anaemia and smoking showed a significantly higher risk for revision surgery; whereas patients with diabetes and arterial hypertension did not. A total of 22.6 % had open fractures as an initial trauma. In 76 %, bacteria could be detected. The complication rate was 41.2 % after initial open fractures and 19.6 % after initial closed fractures. A higher grade of soft tissue damage showed no increasing complication rate (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, complications after septic implant removal of the lower leg were evaluated and risk factors were determined. The awareness of the risks for complications after septic orthopaedic implant removal can lead to a better treatment for patients. Decision-making can be based on scientific results to prevent patients suffering from further severe disease progression.

Bilateral clavicle osteomyelitis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Osteomyelitis of the clavicle is rare. Infection occurs from hematogenous spread or trauma. In adults infection is usually secondary due to an exogenous cause such as open fractures, surgery (iatrogenic) or spread from local tissue with infection.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The case is presented here of a 50-year old female with bilateral clavicular fractures, who was operated on with open reduction and internal fixation. At the 6-month follow-up, she had complaints of bilateral osteomyelitis which was successfully treated with resection of the infected segment of the bone, and antibiotic impregnated collagen.

DISCUSSION

Predisposing factors include diabetes, intravenous drug abuse, tuberculosis or immune suppression. Management involves the removal of bone fixation, debridement of the bone and if there is a defect, coverage with a muscle flap is applied.

CONCLUSION

In cases of clavicular osteomyelitis where infection continues despite debridement and antibiotic therapy, excision of the sequestered clavicular section is a successful treatment approach and has been seen to improve quality of life without any functional loss.